Eleven Mile State Park
State Park in Lake George, CO
Hours:
Park: Daily, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Office Off Season: Labor Day-Memorial weekend, 8a.m. to 3p.m. Fri.-Tues. Closed Wed. & Thurs.
Peak Season: Memorial Day-Labor Day, 8a.m. to 5p.m. Thur.-Tues. Closed Wed.
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $10
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
4229 County Road 92
Lake George, CO 80827
United States
Eleven Mile State Park
State Park in Lake George, CO
Hours:
Park: Daily, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Office Off Season: Labor Day-Memorial weekend, 8a.m. to 3p.m. Fri.-Tues. Closed Wed. & Thurs.
Peak Season: Memorial Day-Labor Day, 8a.m. to 5p.m. Thur.-Tues. Closed Wed.
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $10
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
4229 County Road 92
Lake George, CO 80827
United States
Fire Ban Information -
Conditions can change rapidly and often. Please check whether there is an active fire ban and what it means, by visiting https://www.hartselfire.org/.
Boat on the reservoir
Park Highlight
Explore Eleven Mile Reservoir
The park's main attraction is the 3,405 surface-acre reservoir. The reservoir's boaters are challenged by the tricky winds and fast-rising storms that occasionally sweep the area. Anglers consistently tout Eleven Mile’s large reservoir for its outstanding fishing. When not reeling in a trophy fish, there are nearly five miles of scenic hiking and biking trails that await exploration. Canoe the day away around the shores of the backcountry and camp comfortably in one of our campsites.
Body water-contact activities including scuba diving, water skiing, jet skiing, wading (without waders), swimming, etc. are prohibited.
Reservoir Facilities
Facilities
North Shore Boat Ramps are open for the season from one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset daily.
Witcher’s Cove Boat Ramp will open for the season Saturday, May 23 at 6:00 a.m. and will be open Saturdays and Sundays only from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. through Sunday, September 6 at 4:00 p.m.
Boat inspections for aquatic nuisance species are required for all trailered vessels each time the vessel is launched on or removed from the lake during our regular boating season. See Mandatory Boat Inspections lower on the page.
Boat docks are for loading and unloading only. There is an enforced five-minute use limit while mooring at the dock during our regular boating season.
11 Mile Marina provides boat, mooring buoy and boat slip rentals for park guests. A fishing guide service is also available for hire. For more information, visit their website or call 719-748-0317.
Colorado Water is Cold Water
Colorado waters are classified as "cold water" (anything under 70 degrees) for most of the year. Swimming in cold water risks cold water shock, which can lead to drowning even for strong, experienced swimmers. An unexpected fall into cold water can cause an involuntary gasp reflex (which can cause you to breathe in water). Cold water shock can also cause rapid heart rate and hyperventilation (excessive breathing). If you experience cold water shock, quickly regain control of your breathing and get into the HELP position (Heat Escape Lessening Posture) by crossing your arms across your chest and pulling your knees up to your chest, as if hugging yourself, to retain body heat.
Deadly Combos
Alcohol and Water
Alcohol use is the leading factor in recreational boating deaths. The intense sunlight and heat you experience when boating can amplify the effects of beer, wine and hard liquor. Your balance, vision, alertness, reaction time and coordination can change more intensely than you’re used to. One drink on the water is equivalent to three drinks on land.
Alcohol can also increase the dangers of cold water immersion.
Wind and Water
Weather can change very quickly in Colorado. Most summer storms arise in the afternoon, and they can come in fast and furiously, generally from the west.
Be mindful of the clouds and wind. Don't wait until the weather is on top of you before seeking safety. Wind is the main cause of paddlers falling in the water. Once in the water, the wind can blow your craft away from you, and if the waves become intense, it becomes difficult to swim.
Remember that after you get out of the water, wind chill can cause you to lose heat very quickly.
Life Jackets and Water
The majority of water-related fatalities happen when people are swimming in cold water or paddleboarding or kayaking while not wearing a life jacket. Colorado law requires that all water vessels have appropriately sized life jackets readily accessible for every person on board.
Weight and Water
Don't go over the maximum capacity or weight on boats, kayaks or stand up paddleboards. They can capsize or sink. Remember that coolers can change the total weight and weight distribution on your vessel.
Swimming and Drop Offs
The bottoms of lakes are inconsistent. “Drop offs” are spots in lakes, reservoirs, streams and rivers with sudden changes in depth. These abrupt changes can be risky and catch swimmers off guard.
Swimming and Water Depth
Most reservoirs average 40-100 feet deep, making them unsuitable for those with limited swimming abilities.
Swimming and Unmarked Hazards
Lower water levels this summer can expose unmarked hazards that swimmers would usually not expect. Hazards could include trees, rocks, etc.
Boating and Fishing
Boating
All types of boating are popular on this large reservoir, including: kayaking, canoeing, sailing and motorboating. Islands within the reservoir are closed to all public use.
Inspections
A boat inspection is required on all trailered vessels that are intending to either be launched on or removed from either reservoir. Boats found to be contaminated after leaving the water will be assisted by Parks and Wildlife staff in ensuring that the boat is clean prior to exiting the boat ramp parking lot. See hours and more information below under the Mandatory Boat Inspections section.
Weather
Sudden storms with strong winds and high waves can develop quickly at Eleven Mile. If you see storm clouds building on the horizon, please exercise caution by heading closer toward shore. Underwater hazards are frequently found in the reservoir and not all are marked. Boaters should be especially careful when within 150 feet of any shoreline.
Fishing
Fish for brown, cutthroat, cutbow and rainbow trout, as well as northern pike. The lake is one of very few in Colorado stocked with Kokanee salmon, but snagging for Kokanee salmon is prohibited. Carp abound in the shallow bays and inlets, providing great bow fishing.
Gold Metal Water fishing opportunities exist on the South Platte River within Eleven Mile State Park by the inlet.
Fishing Rules
- All fishing is flies and lures only and is catch and release within 100 feet of the mouth of the inlet.
- The use of live minnows is strictly prohibited.
- All fishing is prohibited from the restricted area near the dam on the east end of the reservoir. This area is marked by a closure buoy line that stretches across the lake at that point.
- Fishing is also prohibited on islands and docks.
Fish Species and Bag Limits
See the Fishing Atlas for fishable species at this location and the Fishing Brochure (PDF) for daily bag limits.
Fishing Awards and Records for Eleven Mile
Visit the Fishing Awards and Records page.
Tournaments
The Park hosts fishing tournaments year-round. Check the calendar for up-coming fishing tournaments.
Guides and Outfitters
Are you planning a fishing excursion at Eleven Mile Reservoir or along that section of the South Platte River that is Internationally known as the Dream Stream? Consider the use of a fishing guide during your trip, especially if you are new to the sport or area.
- 11 Mile Sports
- 5280 Angler
- All Pro Outdoors, LLC
- Angler's Covey, Inc
- ArkAnglers, LLC
- Atmore Outfitters
- Blue Quill Anglers, Inc
- Breckenridge Outfitters
- Colorado Friends and Family Fishing
- Colorado Trout Hunters LLC
- Cutthroat Anglers LLC
- Everset Outfitters LLC
- Landon Mayer Fly Fishing
- Mile High Angler, LLC
- North Fork Ranch Guide Service, Inc.
- Peak Fly Fishing Outfitters / The Peak Fly Shop
- Pikes Peak Fishing Charters LLC
- Rocky Mountain Outfitters of Colorado LLC
- Royal Gorge Anglers, Inc
- South Platte Fly Shop
- Sport Fish Colorado, LLC
- The Broadmoor / Broadmoor Hotel Inc
- The Mountain Angler, Ltd
- The Next Eddy
- Tightline Outdoors LLC / Tightline Outfitters
- Tumbling Trout Fly Shop, LLC
- UpRiver Fly Fishing
Clean Your Gear: Fishing
Help Protect Colorado Waters
Clean Your Gear
Cleaning your gear before and after use helps protect our water from aquatic nuisance species. Check out these videos to learn how to clean your fishing gear.
All ice is off the reservoir. We will update again in the fall/winter when ice returns to Eleven Mile Reservoir.
Water Activities
Fishing
Fish for seven different fish species at Eleven Mile.
Sailing
All types of boating are popular on this large reservoir, including sailing.
Canoeing
Canoeing is popular at the reservoir.
Kayaking
Kayaking is great exercise. Bring a friend!
Windsurfing
Windsurfing with a full body wetsuit is recommended due to the low water temperatures.
Mandatory Boat Inspections for ANS at Eleven Mile
To boat on the reservoir, an aquatic nuisance species (ANS) stamp, current boat registration and a pre-launch boat inspection at the boat ramp is required.
Vessels and other floating devices that are both hand-launched and human-powered are exempt from mandatory ANS inspections. Although, the public is strongly encouraged to self-inspect their watercrafts, boots, waders, and fishing equipment by making sure that all equipment is clean, drained, and dry. For instructions, see Clean Your Gear.
Learn more about aquatic nuisance species.
Inspection Hours
Mandatory boat inspections are available from a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset during regular boating season.
Contaminated Vessels - Any boat found to be contaminated will be refused admittance to the reservoir until decontaminated. After inspection, if a decontamination is needed the ANS Inspector will direct the boater where to go during the hours of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
New Zealand Mudsnail and Eurasian Watermilfoil
New Zealand mudsnails negatively affect aquatic insect larvae, native snails, as well as fish populations. Eurasian watermilfoil is an aquatic noxious weed that forms dense mats which restrict fishing and boating. The mats shade and choke out native aquatic plants, foul beaches and decrease oxygen levels in the water, destroying habitat and food needed by fish and birds.
Stop the Spread of Mudsnails and WatermilfoilOh, SHELL NO
Be a Pain in the ANS
Recreation in Colorado’s water could be impacted by the spread of invasive species in the water. Aquatic nuisance species (ANS) are invasive species that damage bodies of water. This can have huge impacts on many of the industries and products we all know and love: wine, corn, beer, peaches, drinking water, outdoor recreation and many more. If you’re recreating in the water, you can be a Pain in the ANS — and stop the spread of invasive species.
Bring the Brochures with You
Fishing Brochure
Read up on the location you want to fish before you head out.
Download the Brochure Land and Water Regulations Brochure
Have a question about regulations? Check the brochure.
Download the Brochure
Safety
Life Jackets
All persons under the age of 13 must wear their life jacket at all times while in any vessel that is on the water. Visit the North Shore Aquatic Nuisance Species Inspection Station for personal flotation devices for loan.